Current Issue

We study on the origin of Fender’s custom colors and how they evolved through the 1960s, take a look at the history of the guitar string (with a guide to modern sets), feature the very funky Kustom The Bag effect, and profile four unique instruments – the ’59 D’Angelico Excel made for Homer Haynes, Cort’s Larry Coryell signature guitar, a 1930s classical made by Juan Galán, and the exceedingly rare Vivi-Tone Aggrandizer amp. We also dish out exclusive interviews with Buzz Feiten, Robin Trower, Randy Bachman, Joe Satriani, Bruce Kulick, Tony MacAlpine, Eliot Lewis, Larry Parypa, and Steve West. Wolf Marshall studies the stylings of Lonnie Johnson, Dan Forte reminds us of the historical importance of Lead Belly, Peter Kohman continues his look at Guild’s famed Starfire model, Dan Erlewine digs further into a (very) vintage Glaesel acoustic, and Will Kelly walks us through the process of pickup potting. Our gear review staff tells you why the latest gear from Ibanez, Bohemian Guitars, Avid Technology, PureSalem, Cast Engineering, Strymon, Echopark, is Mu-FX are worth your time (and money!), while our music reviewers screen new releases by Mark Knopfler, Neal Schon, Sonny Landreth, Grant Green, Otis Taylor, Wes Montgomery, and others.

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The Cort Larry Coryell
Guitarmakers have been capitalizing on endorsements since the late 19th century. Thus, it’s not surprising to find a signature guitar named for someone with the stature of the legendary jazzer Larry Coryell. What might be surprising is the brand on its headstock. By Michael Wright

The Vivi-Tone Aggrandizer
A fascinating look at one of the oldest – and rarest – amps we’ve seen, this was one of the first guitar amps built by Webster Electric and bearing the name of the company co-founded by Lloyd Loar. By Dave Hunter

Homer Haynes’ ’59 D’Angelico Excel
John D’Angelico produced some of the finest jazz guitars. This one, ordered by half of a famous comedy duo, was nonetheless every bit the serious instrument as the one built for renowned jazzer Johnny Smith – and to very similar specs. By George Gruhn

Kustom’s The Bag
A far-out product marketed by a far-out amp builder, it was the creation of a teenaged music fan and made (almost!) famous by Steppenwolf’s John Kay, who played through one on “From Here To There Eventually.” By Michael Dregni

Misty Lakes, Foamy ShoresFender Custom Colors in the 1960s
As rockabilly gave way to instrumental rock, America’s fascination with the automobile spurred guitar makers to dress the solidbody as an object of similar desire – a colorful symbol of freedom and innovation. Fender started the trend by borrowing paint from autobody shops. By A.R. Duchossoir

Hot WiresA Brief History of the Modern Guitar String
Before James Burton rendered pitch-bending solos on radio hits, guitar strings were available in few varieties. But Burton’s antics inspired a legion of new players, including some who bent the ear of music-store owner Ernie Ball. Hearing their pleas, he began selling sets that included much thinner banjo strings. By Pete Prown

A Thing For Strings
A key physical connection between player and instrument, few elements draw the attention guitarists give to strings. Here’s a look at several modern sets.